Surgical device having changeable elements

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical device kit includes an elongate first member, an elongate second member disposed adjacent to the first member, the second member being at least movably coupled to the first member, a first electrode head removably attachable to the first member, a second electrode head removably attachable to the first member, and a third electrode head coupled to the second member. The first, second, and third electrode heads are configured to apply a current to a tissue, the first and second electrode heads being non-identical.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/595,484, filed on Jan. 13, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/974,407, filed on Apr. 2, 2014.

The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices, and more particular,surgical devices having opposed members that may be used for gripping orapplying a current.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute priorart.

Surgical forceps or tweezers are used in various applications duringmedical therapy procedures. Such devices are commonly used for holdingor gripping objects.

Recently, medical practitioners have also used bipolar forceps andtweezers during surgical procedures. Bipolar forceps and tweezers may beused to seal vessels by delivering pulsed bipolar energy to coagulatenearby tissue, which may replace or minimize the need for sutures andstaples.

Bipolar forceps and tweezers have a fixed size, and one device is usedin a finite number of applications for which the device is properlysized. In addition, the devices have other fixed characteristics, whichmake them useful in only a limited number of applications. The same istrue for regular, non-energized forceps and tweezers.

Accordingly, there is a need for more universally useful surgicaldevices, such as tweezers and forceps.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a surgical device that has at least oneend which may be changeable to fit the needs of various different orsame procedures.

Accordingly, pursuant to one aspect of the invention, an electrosurgicaldevice kit includes an elongate first member, an elongate second memberdisposed adjacent to the first member, the second member being at leastmovably coupled to the first member, a first electrode head removablyattachable to the first member, a second electrode head removablyattachable to the first member, and a third electrode head coupled tothe second member. The first, second, and third electrode heads areconfigured to apply a current to a tissue, the first and secondelectrode heads being non-identical.

Accordingly, pursuant to another aspect of the invention, a deviceincludes an elongate first member, an elongate second member disposedadjacent to the first member, the second member being at least movablycoupled to the first member, and a forceps end coupled to the firstmember, at least a portion of the forceps end being movable with respectto the first member into a forceps end first position and a forceps endsecond position, the forceps end having a first portion and a secondportion, the first portion having first set of teeth and the secondportion having a second set of teeth.

The invention may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe features described herein, such as: the first electrode is identicalto the third electrode; the first electrode is sharper than the secondelectrode; the first electrode has a first coating disposed thereon andthe second electrode has one of: no coating and a second coatingdisposed thereon, the first and second coatings being non-identical; thefirst electrode has a first electrode thermal capability and the secondelectrode has a second electrode thermal capability, the first electrodethermal capability being different than the second electrode thermalcapability; the first electrode has a first electrode electricalcapability and the second electrode has a second electrode electricalcapability, the first electrode electrical capability being differentthan the second electrode electrical capability; the first electrode isformed of a first material and the second electrode is formed of asecond material, the first and second materials being non-identical; thefirst electrode is formed of a conductive material and the secondelectrode is formed of an insulating material; the device or kit alsoincludes a fourth electrode head removably attachable to the secondmember, the third electrode head being removably coupled to the secondmember, the fourth electrode head being configured to apply a current toa tissue, the third and fourth electrode heads being non-identical.

Further aspects, advantages and areas of applicability will becomeapparent from the description provided herein. It should be understoodthat the description and specific examples are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a surgical device having deviceends in first positions, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the surgical device of FIG. 1Awith the device ends in second positions, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a side schematic view of a portion of another surgical devicehaving device ends in first positions, in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 2A with the device ends in second positions, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a side schematic view of a portion of yet another surgicaldevice having device ends in first positions, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 3A with the device ends in second positions, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a side schematic view of a portion of still another surgicaldevice having device ends in first positions, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 3C with the device ends in second positions, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3E is a plan view of the portion of the surgical device of FIGS.3C-3D taken along the lines 3E-3E in FIG. 3D, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a side schematic view of a portion of still another surgicaldevice having a device end in a first position, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 4A with the device end in a second position, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical device ofFIGS. 4A-4B, with two device ends in the second position, according tothe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a side schematic view of a portion of still another surgicaldevice having a device end in a first position, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 5A with the device end in a second position, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a side schematic view of a portion of still another surgicaldevice having device ends in first positions, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 6A with the device ends in second positions, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of still another surgicaldevice having device ends in first positions, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a side schematic view of the portion of the surgical deviceof FIG. 7A with the device ends in second positions, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a surgical device kit havinginterchangeable device ends, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a side schematic view of another set of interchangeabledevice ends for the surgical device kit of FIG. 8, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9B is a side schematic view of yet another set of interchangeabledevice ends for the surgical device kit of FIG. 8, in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

The present disclosure provides a surgical device that has at least oneend which may be changeable to fit the needs of various different orsame procedures.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, a surgical forceps is illustrated andgenerally designated at 20. The surgical forceps 20 may be of theelectrosurgical type or the non-energized type, by way of example. Forexample, if of the non-energized type, the forceps 20 are used forgripping and no energy is applied through the forceps 20. However, ifthe forceps 20 are of the electrosurgical type, they may be used as abipolar device, for example, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy tocoagulate a tissue.

For the forceps 20 of the electrosurgical type, the forceps 20 include aproximal end 22 that may be connected to an energy source via first andsecond leads 24, 26. The forceps 20 may include a first elongate member28 and a second elongate member 30, which are connected together at theproximal end 22 of the forceps device 20. The first member 28 isdisposed adjacent to the second member 30. In this example, a band 32surrounds proximal ends 34, 36 of the first and second members 28, 30 tocouple the proximal ends 34, 36 together. Thus, the proximal ends 34, 36may be fixed together by the band 32 as shown. In this example, thefirst and second members 28, 30 are movably coupled together. The firstand second members 28, 30 may be moved toward each other by exertingpressure on their outer sides 38, 40; for example, an operator can pinchthe first and second members 28, 30 together and toward each other bygripping and exerting pressure on gripping sections 42 disposed on theouter sides 38, 40. (Though not shown, it should be understood that anidentical gripping section 42 is disposed on the outer side 40, as shownon the outer side 38.)

The band 32 and the first and second members 28, 30 may be formed of aninsulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first and second members 28, 30 may each have aninner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and anouter casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such as withnon-electrosurgical devices, the first and second members 28, 30 may beformed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal. Thisparagraph provides merely examples of materials that may be used for thefirst and second members 28, 30; other variations not described in thisparagraph are also contemplated.

A first end piece 44 is coupled to the distal end 48 of the first member28, and a second end piece 46 may be coupled to the distal end 50 of thesecond member 30. In the alternative, the second member 30 may not havea separate end piece 46, but instead, the second member 30 may simplyhave a non-movable end that may be unitarily formed with the rest of thesecond member 30. The end pieces 44, 46 may be identical to each other,or the end pieces 44, 46 may be different from each other. The endpieces 44, 46 may take on various configurations, which will bedescribed below.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1A-1B, each end piece 44, 46 has asemi-rectangular shape with rounded edges. Each end piece 44, 46 has ajoint, such as a pivot pin 52, connecting the end piece 44, 46 to thedistal end 48, 50 of the respective member 28, 30.

In FIG. 1A, the first and second end pieces 44, 46 are illustrated infirst positions on the first and second members 28, 30, wherein longsides 54, 56 of the end pieces 44, 46 are disposed at the distal end 58of the device 20. A short side 60 of the first end piece 44 is disposedon an opposite side of the pivot pin 52 from the long side 54. In thefirst position of the first end piece 44, the short side 60 of the firstend piece 44 is disposed closer to the proximal end 22 of the device 20than the long side 54 is disposed with respect to the proximal end 22.The second end piece 46 may also have a short side 62 that is disposedcloser to the proximal end 22 than the long side 56 is disposed withrespect to the proximal end 22, in the first position of the second endpiece 46.

In FIG. 1B, the first and second end pieces 44, 46 are illustrated insecond positions on the first and second members 28, 30, wherein theshort sides 60, 62 of the end pieces 44, 46 are disposed at the distalend 58 of the device 20. In the second position of the first member 28,the long side 54 of the first end piece 44 is disposed closer to theproximal end 22 of the device 20 than the short side 60 is disposed withrespect to the proximal end 22. The long side 56 of the second end piece46 is disposed closer to the proximal end 22 than the short side 62 isdisposed with respect to the proximal end 22, in the second position ofthe second member 30. Accordingly, each of the end pieces 44, 46 has along side 54, 56 and a short side 60, 62, wherein the long and shortsides 56, 60 of the first end piece 44 are not identical to each other,and the long and short sides 56, 62 of the second end piece 46 are notidentical to each other, since they have different lengths.

The end pieces 44, 46 are movable with respect to the first and secondmembers 28, 30. In the illustrated example, the end pieces 44, 46 arerotatable about the pivot pins 52. In the alternative, another type ofjoint or connection may be provided. Thus, each end piece 44, 46 may berotated into their first positions (shown in FIG. 1A) and into theirsecond positions (shown in FIG. 1B). In the example of FIGS. 1A-1B, thefirst and second end pieces 44, 46 are movable between their first andsecond positions without being detached from the first and secondmembers 28, 30, respectively, because the end pieces 44, 46 are pivotedaround the pivot pins 52, but not detached. Thus, the first end piece 44is rotatably attached to the first member 28, and the second end piece46 is rotatably attached to the second member 30. An operator may desireto rotate the end pieces 44, 46 between the first and second positionsdepending on whether the operator would like to use the long sides 54,56 or the short sides 60, 62 at the distal end of the device 58. In someexamples, each end piece 44, 46 and/or the distal ends 48, 50 of each ofthe members 28, 30 may have a detent or other feature to aid inpositioning the end pieces 44, 46 into the first and second positions.

In some variations, one or more of the end pieces 44, 46 is anelectrode. For example, both of the first and second end pieces 44, 46may be electrodes that are configured to apply a current to a tissuewhen energized. The first and second end pieces 44, 46 may be activebipolar electrodes that are configured to be coupled with and energizedby an electrode energy source. In the illustrated example, the currentmay be provided through the lead ends 24, 26 and through the pivot pins52 to each of the end pieces 44, 46.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 120. The proximal endof the forceps 120 is not shown, however, all details may be the same asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known or desired in the art. As in theexample of FIGS. 1A-1B, the forceps 120 may be of the electrosurgicaltype or the non-energized type, by way of example. For example, if ofthe non-energized type, the forceps 120 are used for gripping and noenergy is applied through the forceps 120. However, if the forceps 120are of the electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device,for example, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

The forceps 120 may include a first elongate member 128 and a secondelongate member 130, which are connected together at the proximal end(not shown, but may be same or similar as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B). Thefirst member 128 is disposed adjacent to the second member 130. Asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the first and secondmembers 128, 130 may be moved toward each other by exerting pressure ontheir outer sides; for example, an operator can pinch the first andsecond members 128, 130 together and toward each other and bring the endpieces 144, 146 together.

As described above, the first and second members 128, 130 may be formedof an insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first and second members 128, 130 may each have aninner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and anouter casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such as nonelectrosurgical devices, the first and second members 128, 130 may beformed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal.

The first end piece 144 is coupled to the distal end 148 of the firstmember 128, and the second end piece 146 may be coupled to the distalend 150 of the second member 130. In the alternative, the second membermay not have a separate end piece 146. The end pieces 144, 146 may beidentical to each other, or the end pieces 144, 146 may be differentfrom each other.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2A-2B, each end piece 144, 146 has asemi-rectangular shape with rounded edges. Each end piece 144, 146 has ajoint, such as a pivot pin 152, connecting the end piece 144, 146 to thedistal end 148, 150 of the respective member 128, 130.

In FIG. 2A, the first and second end pieces 144, 146 are illustrated infirst positions on the first and second members 128, 130, wherein afirst side 154, 156 of each of the end pieces 144, 146 is disposed atthe distal end 158 of the device 120. A second side 160 of the first endpiece 144 is disposed on an opposite side of the pivot pin 152 from thefirst side 154. In the first position of the first end piece 144, thesecond side 160 of the first end piece 144 is disposed closer to theproximal end (not shown) of the device 120 than the first side 154 isdisposed with respect to the proximal end. The second end piece 146 mayalso have a second side 162 that is disposed closer to the proximal endthan the first side 156 is disposed with respect to the proximal end, inthe first position of the second end piece 146.

In FIG. 2B, the first and second end pieces 144, 146 are illustrated insecond positions on the first and second members 128, 130, wherein thesecond sides 160, 162 of the end pieces 144, 146 are disposed at thedistal end 158 of the device 120. In the second position of the firstend piece 144, the first side 154 of the first end piece 144 is disposedcloser to the proximal end (not shown) of the device 120 than the secondside 160 is disposed with respect to the proximal end. The first side156 of the second end piece 146 is disposed closer to the proximal endthan the second side 162 is disposed with respect to the proximal end,in the second position of the second end piece 146.

The first and second sides 154, 160 of the first end piece 144 areidentical to each other, each being disposed on opposite sides of thepivot pin 152. Likewise, the first and second sides 156, 162 of thesecond end piece 146 are identical to each other, each being disposed onopposite sides of the pivot pin 152.

The end pieces 144, 146 are movable with respect to the first and secondmembers 128, 130. In the illustrated example, the end pieces 144, 146are rotatable about the pivot pins 152. Thus, each end piece 144, 146may be rotated into their first positions (shown in FIG. 2A) and intotheir second positions (shown in FIG. 2B). In the example of FIGS.2A-2B, the first and second end pieces 144, 146 are movable betweentheir first and second positions without being detached from the firstand second members 128, 130, respectively, because the end pieces 144,146 are pivoted around the pivot pins 152. Thus, the first end piece 144is rotatably attached to the first member 128, and the second end piece146 is rotatably attached to the second member 130. An operator maydesire to rotate the end pieces 144, 146 between the first and secondpositions if one of the sides 154, 156, 160, 162 has become dirty ordamaged. Thus, the operator could continue to use the forceps device 120even if one side 154, 156, 160, 162 of an end piece 164, 166 becomesundesirable for use.

As in the example of FIGS. 1A-1B, one or more of the end pieces 144, 146could be provided as an electrode. For example, both of the first andsecond end pieces 144, 146 may serve as electrodes that are configuredto apply a current to a tissue when energized. The first and second endpieces 144, 146 may be active bipolar electrodes that are configured tobe coupled with and energized by an electrode energy source. In theillustrated example, the current may be provided through lead ends (suchas lead ends 24, 26 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) and through the pivot pins 152to each of the end pieces 144, 146.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 220. The proximal endof the forceps 220 is not shown, however, all details may be the same asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known in the art. As in the examples ofFIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the forceps 220 may be of the electrosurgicaltype or the non-energized type, by way of example. For example, if ofthe non-energized type, the forceps 220 are used for gripping and noenergy is applied through the forceps 220. However, if the forceps 220are of the electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device,for example, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

The forceps 220 may include a first elongate member 228 and a secondelongate member 230, which are connected together at a proximal end (notshown). The first member 228 is disposed adjacent to the second member230. As described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the first andsecond members 228, 230 may be moved toward each other by exertingpressure on their outer sides; for example, an operator can pinch thefirst and second members 228, 230 together and toward each other andbring the end pieces 244, 246 together.

As described above, the first and second members 228, 230 may be formedof an insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first and second members 228, 230 may each have aninner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and anouter casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such as nonelectrosurgical devices, the first and second members 228, 230 may beformed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal, by way ofexample.

The first end piece 244 is coupled to the distal end 248 of the firstmember 228, and the second end piece 246 may be coupled to the distalend 250 of the second member 230. In the alternative, the second member230 may not have a separate end piece 246, as described above. The endpieces 244, 246 may be identical to each other, or the end pieces 244,246 may be different from each other.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 3A-3B, each end piece 244, 246 has afirst set of teeth 264, 266 disposed on a first side 268, 270 and asecond set of teeth 272, 274 disposed on a second side 276, 278. Thefirst sides 268, 270 are disposed on opposite elongate faces of the endpieces 244, 246 from the second sides 276, 278. Each end piece 244, 246has a joint, such as a pivot pin 252, connecting the end piece 244, 246to the distal end 248, 250 of the respective member 228, 230.

In FIG. 3A, the first and second end pieces 244, 246 are illustrated infirst positions on the first and second members 228, 230, wherein thefirst sets of teeth 264, 266 of each of the end pieces 244, 246 aredisposed facing each other and facing toward a central axis C of thedevice 220, the central axis C being disposed between inner sides 280,282 of each of the first and second members 228, 230. In the firstpositions, the second sets of teeth 272, 274 are facing outwardly andaway from the central axis C. In other examples, one of the members 228,230 or end pieces 244, 246 may be plain without a set of teeth, so thatthe teeth only appear on the end 248, 250 of one of the members 228,230.

In FIG. 3B, the first and second end pieces 244, 246 are illustrated insecond positions on the first and second members 228, 230, wherein thesecond sets of teeth 272, 274 of each of the end pieces 244, 246 aredisposed facing each other and facing toward a central axis C of thedevice 220. In the second positions, the first sets of teeth 264, 266are facing outwardly and away from the central axis C.

In some variations, the first and second sets of teeth 264, 272, of thefirst end piece 244 may be identical to each other, each being disposedon opposite sides of the pivot pin 252. Likewise, the first and secondsets of teeth 266, 274 of the second end piece 246 may be identical toeach other, each being disposed on opposite sides of the pivot pin 252.However, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the first sets of teeth 264, 266in this example have a larger number and smaller teeth than the secondsets of teeth 272, 274. The second sets of teeth 272, 274 have a smallernumber and are larger than the first sets of teeth 264, 266.

The end pieces 244, 246 are movable with respect to the first and secondmembers 228, 230. In the illustrated example, the end pieces 244, 246are rotatable about the pivot pins 252. Thus, each end piece 244, 246may be rotated into their first positions (shown in FIG. 3A) and intotheir second positions (shown in FIG. 3B). In the example of FIGS.3A-3B, the first and second end pieces 244, 246 are movable betweentheir first and second positions without being detached from the firstand second members 228, 230, respectively, because the end pieces 244,246 are pivoted around the pivot pins 252. Thus, the first end piece 244is rotatably attached to the first member 228, and the second end piece246 is rotatably attached to the second member 230.

An operator may desire to rotate the end pieces 244, 246 between thefirst and second positions if one of the sets of teeth 264, 266, 272,274 has become dirty or damaged. Furthermore, the operator may desire torotate the end pieces 244, 246 to use either the smaller or larger setsof teeth 264, 266, 272, 274, depending on the application, withouthaving to use a different set of forceps.

As in the examples of FIGS. 1A-2B, one or more of the end pieces 244,246 could be provided as an electrode. For example, both of the firstand second end pieces 244, 246 may serve as electrodes that areconfigured to apply a current to a tissue when energized. The first andsecond end pieces 244, 246 may be active bipolar electrodes that areconfigured to be coupled with and energized by an electrode energysource. In the illustrated example, the current may be provided throughlead ends (such as lead ends 24, 26 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) and throughthe pivot pins 252 to each of the end pieces 244, 246.

Referring now to FIGS. 3C-3E, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 1220. The proximalend of the forceps 1220 is not shown, however, all details may be thesame as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known in the art. The forceps 1220 may beessentially the same as the forceps 220 described above with respect toFIGS. 3A-3B, except for the orientation of the teeth 1264, 1266, 1272,1274, which will be described below. For example, the forceps 1220 mayinclude a first elongate member 1228, a second elongate member 1230, andpins 1252 holding the rotatable device ends 1244, 1246 to the distalends 1248, 1250 of the first and second members 1228, 1230. In addition,the device ends 1244, 1246 may or may not be provided as energizableelectrodes.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 3C-3E, each end piece 1244, 1246 hasa first set of teeth 1264, 1266 disposed on a first end 1269, 1271 and asecond set of teeth 1272, 1274 disposed on a second end 1277, 1279 ofthe device ends 1244, 1246. Each of the sets of teeth 1264, 1266, 1272,1274 is disposed on a first face 1268, 1270 of each device end 1244,1246. Second faces 1276, 1278 of the end pieces 1244, 1246 are disposedon opposite sides of the end pieces 1244, 1246 from the first faces1268, 1270. The second faces 1276, 1278 are flat and have no teeth, inthis example.

In FIG. 3C, the first and second end pieces 1244, 1246 are illustratedin first positions on the first and second members 1228, 1230, whereinthe first sets of teeth 1264, 1266 are disposed facing each other andfacing toward a central axis C of the device 1220, the central axis Cbeing disposed between inner sides 1280, 1282 of each of the first andsecond members 1228, 1230. In the first positions, the first sets ofteeth 1264, 1266 and the first ends 1269, 1271 of the device ends 1244,1246 are disposed at the distal end 1258 of the forceps 1220. The secondsets of teeth 1272, 1274 are not facing directly toward to the centralaxis C, as the second sets of teeth 1272, 1274 are oriented on angle inthe first positions. More particularly, the distal ends 1248, 1250 ofthe first and second members 1228, 1230 are angled inward toward thecentral axis C. As such, in the first positions, the first sets of teeth1264, 1266 are aligned along parallel planes and are configured tocompress tissue therebetween when the first and second members 1228,1230 are pressed toward each other and toward the central axis C. Thesecond sets of teeth 1272, 1274 are disposed along non-parallel planesin the first positions, and the second sets of teeth 1272, 1274 areconfigured to be spaced farther from each other than the first sets ofteeth 1264, 1266 are spaced with respect to each other. As such, thesecond sets of teeth 1272, 1274 are configured to remain apart from eachand not grasp tissue in the first positions, even when the first andsecond members 1228, 1230 are pressed toward each other.

In FIGS. 3D-3E, the first and second end pieces 1244, 1246 areillustrated in second positions on the first and second members 1228,1230. The second sets of teeth 1272, 1274 and the second ends 1277, 1279of the device ends 1244, 1246 are disposed at the distal end 1258 of theforceps 1220. In the second positions, the second sets of teeth 1272,1274 are directly facing each other and facing toward the central axis Cof the device 1220. In the second positions, the second sets of teeth1272, 1274 are aligned along parallel planes and are configured tocompress tissue therebetween when the first and second members 1228,1230 are pressed toward each other. The first sets of teeth 1264, 1266are disposed along non-parallel planes in the second positions, and thefirst sets of teeth 1264, 1266 are configured to be spaced farther fromeach other than the second sets of teeth 1272, 1274 are spaced withrespect to each other. As such, the first sets of teeth 1264, 1266 areconfigured to remain apart from each and not grasp tissue in the secondpositions, even when the first and second members 1228, 1230 are pressedtoward each other.

In some variations, the first and second sets of teeth 1264, 1272, ofthe first end piece 1244 may be identical to each other, each beingdisposed on opposite sides of the pivot pin 1252. Likewise, the firstand second sets of teeth 1266, 1274 of the second end piece 1246 may beidentical to each other, each being disposed on opposite sides of thepivot pin 1252. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3E, the first setsof teeth 1264, 1266 in this example have a larger number and smallerteeth than the second sets of teeth 1272, 1274. The second sets of teeth1272, 1274 have a smaller number and are larger than the first sets ofteeth 1264, 1266.

The end pieces 1244, 1246 are movable with respect to the first andsecond members 1228, 1230. In the illustrated example, the end pieces1244, 1246 are rotatable about the pivot pins 1252. Thus, each end piece1244, 1246 may be rotated into their first positions (shown in FIG. 3C)and into their second positions (shown in FIGS. 3D-3E). In FIGS. 3A-3B,the end pieces 244, 246 are pivotable along a first plane that isperpendicular to the central axis C, while in FIGS. 3C-3E, the endpieces 1244, 1246 are pivotable along a second plane that is notperpendicular to the central axis C. Because the distal ends 1248, 1250of the first and second members 1228, 1230 are angled with respect tothe central axis C, the second plane is not parallel to the central axisC, but the second plane is disposed at an acute angle with respect tothe central axis C.

An operator may desire to rotate the end pieces 1244, 1246 between thefirst and second positions if one of the sets of teeth 1264, 1266, 1272,1274 has become dirty or damaged. Furthermore, the operator may desireto rotate the end pieces 1244, 1246 to use either the smaller or largersets of teeth 1264, 1266, 1272, 1274, depending on the application,without having to use a different set of forceps.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 320. The proximal endof the forceps 320 is not shown, however, all details may be the same asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known in the art. As in the examples ofFIGS. 1A-3B, the forceps 320 may be of the electrosurgical type or thenon-energized type, by way of example. For example, if of thenon-energized type, the forceps 320 are used for gripping and no energyis applied through the forceps 320. However, if the forceps 320 are ofthe electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device, forexample, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

The forceps 320 may include a first elongate member 328 and a secondelongate member 330 (shown in FIG. 4C). The second elongate member 330may be understood to be either identical to the first elongate member328, or the second elongate member 330 may be plain without a pivotableend piece 346; however, preferably, the second elongate member 330 has apivotable end piece 346. The first member 328 and the second member 330may be connected together at the proximal end (not shown). The firstmember 328 is disposed adjacent to the second member 330. As describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the first member 328 and the secondmember 330 may be moved toward each other by exerting pressure on theirouter sides; for example, an operator can pinch the first member 328 andthe second member 330 together and toward each other and bring the firstend piece 344 and the end of the second member 330 together (whether thesecond member 330 has an end piece 346 or no end piece).

As described above, the first member 328 and the second member 330 maybe formed of an insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. Inother configurations, the first member 328 and the second member 330 mayeach have an inner portion formed of a conductive material, such as ametal, and an outer casing formed of an insulating material, where theouter casing surrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations,such as non-electrosurgical devices, the first member 328 and the secondmember 330 may be formed entirely of a conductive material, such as ametal.

The first end piece 344 is coupled to the distal end 348 of the firstmember 328. The second member 330 may also have an end piece 346identical or different from the first end piece 344, which may becoupled to the distal end 350 of the second member 330.

Each end piece 344, 346 has a joint, such as a pivot pin 352, connectingthe end piece 344, 346 to the distal end 348, 350 of the respectivemember 328, 330. The end pieces 344, 346 may be rotated around the pivotpins 352 to move the end pieces 344, 346 into various positions, such asfirst and second positions. FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate first and secondpositions of the first end piece 344, and it should be understood thatthe second end piece 346 may also be rotated into first and secondpositions, as is shown with respect to the first end piece 344.

In FIG. 4A, the first end piece 344 is illustrated in a first positionon the first member 328, wherein the first end piece has a first part354 that extends at an angle A with respect to a longitudinal axis Ldefined by the distal end 348 of the first member 328. In the firstposition, a second part 360 of the first end piece 344 is disposed alongthe longitudinal axis L, in this example.

In FIG. 3B, the first end piece 344 is illustrated in a second positionon the first member 328, wherein the second part 360 of the first endpiece 344 extends at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis L.In the second position, the first part 354 of the first end piece 344 isdisposed along the longitudinal axis L.

The angle B may be equal or different from the angle A, in either orboth of magnitude and direction. For example, the angle A may be definedas extending in a positive direction from the axis L. Accordingly, itcan be seen that the angle A is a positive acute angle in FIG. 4A. Assuch, the angle B is shown as extending in the opposite direction fromthe longitudinal axis L, in a negative direction, as shown in FIG. 4B.Thus, if the angles were instead both measured in a positive direction,then the second part 360 would extend at an angle C from thelongitudinal axis L, and the angle C would clearly be an obtuse anglemuch larger than the angle A.

FIG. 4C shows both first and second pieces 344, 346 in the secondpositions. Thus, the second part 360 of the first end piece 344 extendsat the angle B or C from the longitudinal axis L in the second positionas shown in FIG. 4C, and the second part 362 of the second end piece 346extends at an angle, such as B or C, from a longitudinal axis L₂ definedby the distal end 350 of the second member 330 in the second position asshown in FIG. 4C. It should be noted that in the second positions ofboth the first and second end pieces 344, 346, both the second parts360, 362 extend at the same angle, such as B, from their respectivelongitudinal axes L, L₂, in the illustrated example. As such, the secondparts 360, 362 are disposed alongside each other and can be used to gripa piece of tissue.

The end pieces 344, 346 are movable with respect to the first and secondmembers 328, 330. In the illustrated example, the end pieces 344, 346are rotatable about the pivot pins 352. Thus, each end piece 344, 346may be rotated into their first positions (the first position of thefirst end piece 344 is shown in FIG. 4A; the second end piece may havean identical first position) and into their second positions (shown inFIGS. 4B-4C). In the example of FIGS. 4A-4C, the first and second endpieces 344, 346 are movable between their first and second positionswithout being detached from the first and second members 328, 330,respectively, because the end pieces 344, 346 are pivoted around thepivot pins 352. Thus, the first end piece 344 is rotatably attached tothe first member 328, and the second end piece 346 is rotatably attachedto the second member 330.

An operator may desire to rotate the end pieces 344, 346 between thefirst and second positions if one of the parts 354, 360, 356, 362 hasbecome dirty or damaged. Furthermore, the operator may desire to rotatethe end pieces 344, 346 so that the end pieces 344, 346 have partsextending at a desired angle or in a desired direction from the axis L,depending on the application, without having to use a different set offorceps.

As in the examples of FIGS. 1A-3B, one or more of the end pieces 344,346 could be provided as an electrode. For example, both of the firstand second end pieces 344, 346 may serve as electrodes that areconfigured to apply a current to a tissue when energized. The first andsecond end pieces 344, 346 may be active bipolar electrodes that areconfigured to be coupled with and energized by an electrode energysource. In the illustrated example, the current may be provided throughlead ends (such as lead ends 24, 26 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) and throughthe pivot pins 352 to each of the end pieces 344, 346.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 420. The proximal endof the forceps 420 is not shown, however, all details may be the same asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known in the art. As in the example of FIGS.1A-1B, the forceps 420 may be of the electrosurgical type or thenon-energized type, by way of example. For example, if of thenon-energized type, the forceps 420 are used for gripping and no energyis applied through the forceps 420. However, if the forceps 420 are ofthe electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device, forexample, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

The forceps 420 may include a first elongate member 428 and a secondelongate member (not shown), which are connected together at theproximal end (not shown). Though the second member is not shown, it maybe the same as or similar to the first member 428 and connected as shownin FIGS. 1A-1B, by way of example. The first member 428 is disposedadjacent to the second member. As described above with respect to FIGS.1A-1B, the first member 428 and the second member may be moved towardeach other by exerting pressure on their outer sides; for example, anoperator can pinch the first member 428 and the second member togetherand toward each other and bring the first end piece 444 and the end ofthe second member together. The second member may have an identical endpiece 444, another end piece, or no end piece.

As described above, the first member 428 and the second member may beformed of an insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first member 428 and the second member may each havean inner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, andan outer casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such asnon-electrosurgical devices, the first member 428 and the second membermay be formed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal, by wayof example.

The first end piece 444 is coupled to the distal end 448 of the firstmember 428. A similar end may be coupled to the second member. In thealternative, the second member may not have a separate end piece. Thefirst end piece 444 and the second end piece may be identical to eachother, or the first end piece 444 and the second end piece may bedifferent from each other.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 5A-5B, the end piece 444 has a firstwide part 454 and a second part 460 that has a narrow projection 484. Inthis example, the narrow projection 484 has a width w that is half thewidth of the first part 454. Thus, the width of the first part 454 is2w. In other examples, the narrow projection width w could be smallerthan the width of the first part, but not as small as half the width ofthe first part. In still other examples, the width of the narrowprojection 484 could be less than half as wide as the width of the firstpart 454. The end piece 444 has a joint, such as a pivot pin 452,connecting the end piece 444 to the distal end 448 of the first member428.

In FIG. 5A, the end piece 444 is illustrated in a first position on thefirst members 428, wherein the projection 484 of the end piece 444 isdisposed at the distal end 458 of the device 420. The first side 454 ofthe end piece 444 is disposed on an opposite side of the pivot pin 452from the second side 460 and the projection 484. In the first positionof the end piece 444, the first side 454 of the end piece 444 isdisposed closer to the proximal end (not shown) of the device 420 thanthe second side 460 is disposed with respect to the proximal end. Thesecond member and end piece (not shown), may also have a similar firstposition.

In FIG. 5B, the end piece 444 is illustrated in a second position on thefirst member 428, wherein the first side 454 of the end piece 444 isdisposed at the distal end 458 of the device 420. In the second positionof the end piece 444, the second side 460 of the end piece 444 isdisposed closer to the proximal end (not shown) of the device 420 thanthe first side 454 is disposed with respect to the proximal end. Thesecond member and end piece (not shown), may also have a similar secondposition.

The end piece 444 is movable with respect to the first member 428. Inthe illustrated example, the end piece 444 is rotatable about the pivotpin 452. Thus, the end piece 444 may be rotated into the first position(shown in FIG. 5A) and into the second position (shown in FIG. 5B). Inthe example of FIGS. 5A-5B, the end piece 444 is movable between thefirst and second positions without being detached from the first member428, because the end piece 444 is pivoted around the pivot pin 452.Thus, the end piece 444 is rotatably attached to the first member 428.Likewise, an identical second end piece (not shown) may be rotatablyattached to the second member (not shown).

An operator may desire to rotate the end pieces 444 between the firstand second positions if one of the sides 454, 460 has become dirty ordamaged. Thus, the operator could continue to use the forceps device 420even if one side 454, 460 has become undesirable for use. Furthermore,the first and second sides 454, 460 of the end piece 444 are ofdifferent sizes, they have different widths (as described above), andthey have different surface areas. The operator may desire to use thewider side 454 or the narrower side 460 for different applications,without having to use a different forceps.

As in the example of FIGS. 1A-1B, the end piece 444 could be provided asan electrode. For example, both of the first and second end pieces 444(second end piece not shown), may serve as electrodes that areconfigured to apply a current to a tissue when energized. The first andsecond end pieces 444 (second end piece not shown) may be active bipolarelectrodes that are configured to be coupled with and energized by anelectrode energy source. In the illustrated example, the current may beprovided through lead ends (such as lead ends 24, 26 shown in FIGS.1A-1B) and through pivot pins 452 to each of the end pieces 444 (secondend piece not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 520. The proximal endof the forceps 520 is not shown, however, all details may be the same asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known in the art. As in the examples ofFIGS. 1A-5B, the forceps 520 may be of the electrosurgical type or thenon-energized type, by way of example. For example, if of thenon-energized type, the forceps 520 are used for gripping and no energyis applied through the forceps 520. However, if the forceps 520 are ofthe electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device, forexample, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

The forceps 520 may include a first elongate member 528 and a secondelongate member 530, which are connected together at the proximal end(not shown). The first member 528 is disposed adjacent to the secondmember 530. As described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the firstand second members 528, 530 may be moved toward each other by exertingpressure on their outer sides; for example, an operator can pinch thefirst and second members 528, 530 together and toward each other andbring the end pieces 544, 546 together.

As described above, the first and second members 528, 530 may be formedof an insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first and second members 528, 530 may each have aninner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and anouter casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such asnon-electrosurgical devices, the first and second members 528, 530 maybe formed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal, by way ofexample.

The first end piece 544 is coupled to the distal end 548 of the firstmember 528, and the second end piece 546 may be coupled to the distalend 550 of the second member 530. In the alternative, the second member530 may not have a separate end piece 546. The end pieces 544, 546 maybe identical to each other, as shown, or the end pieces 544, 546 may bedifferent from each other.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6A-6B, each end piece 544, 546 has asharp edge 586, 588 disposed on a first part 554, 556 and a dull edge590, 592 disposed on a second part 560, 562. Each end piece 544, 546 hasa joint, such as a pivot pin 552, connecting the end piece 544, 546 tothe distal end 548, 550 of the respective member 528, 530.

In FIG. 6A, the first and second end pieces 544, 546 are illustrated infirst positions on the first and second members 528, 530, wherein thefirst parts 454, 456 of the end pieces 544, 546 having the sharp edges586, 588 are disposed at the distal end 558 of the device 520. Thesecond part 560 of the first end piece 544 is disposed on an oppositeside of the pivot pin 552 from the first part 554. In the first positionof the first end piece 544, the second part 560 of the first end piece544 is disposed closer to the proximal end (not shown) of the device 520than the first part 554 is disposed with respect to the proximal end.Likewise, the second part 562 of the second end piece 546 is disposed onan opposite side of the pivot pin 552 from the first part 556. In thefirst position of the second end piece 544, the second part 562 of thesecond end piece 546 is disposed closer to the proximal end (not shown)of the device 520 than the first part 556 is disposed with respect tothe proximal end.

In FIG. 6B, the first and second end pieces 544, 546 are illustrated insecond positions on the first and second members 528, 530, wherein thesecond parts 560, 562 of the end pieces 544, 546 having the dull sides590, 592 are disposed at the distal end 558 of the device 520. In thesecond position of the first member 528, the first part 554 of the firstend piece 544 is disposed closer to the proximal end (not shown) of thedevice 520 than the second part 560 is disposed with respect to theproximal end. The first part 556 of the second end piece 546 is disposedcloser to the proximal end than the second part 562 is disposed withrespect to the proximal end, in the second position of the second member530.

Accordingly, each of the end pieces 544, 546 have a sharp edge 586, 588and a dull edge 590, 592, wherein the sharp and dull edges 586, 590 ofthe first end piece 544 are not identical to each other, the sharp edge586 being sharper than the dull edge 590. Likewise, the sharp and dulledges 588, 592 of the second end piece 546 are not identical to eachother, the sharp edge 588 being sharper than the dull edge 592.

The end pieces 544, 546 are movable with respect to the first and secondmembers 528, 530. In the illustrated example, the end pieces 544, 546are rotatable about the pivot pins 552. Thus, each end piece 544, 546may be rotated into their first positions (shown in FIG. 6A) and intotheir second positions (shown in FIG. 6B). In the example of FIGS.6A-6B, the first and second end pieces 544, 546 are movable betweentheir first and second positions without being detached from the firstand second members 528, 530, respectively, because the end pieces 544,546 are pivoted around the pivot pins 552. Thus, the first end piece 544is rotatably attached to the first member 528, and the second end piece546 is rotatably attached to the second member 530.

An operator may desire to rotate the end pieces 544, 546 between thefirst and second positions if one of the parts 554, 556, 560, 562 hasbecome dirty or damaged. Furthermore, the operator may desire to rotatethe end pieces 544, 546 to use either the sharp edges 586, 588 or theparts 560, 562 having dull edges 590, 592 on a particular application,without having to use a different set of forceps for different tasks.

As in the examples of FIGS. 1A-5B, one or more of the end pieces 544,546 could be provided as an electrode. For example, both of the firstand second end pieces 544, 546 may serve as electrodes that areconfigured to apply a current to a tissue when energized. The first andsecond end pieces 544, 546 may be active bipolar electrodes that areconfigured to be coupled with and energized by an electrode energysource. In the illustrated example, the current may be provided throughlead ends (such as lead ends 24, 26 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) and throughthe pivot pins 552 to each of the end pieces 544, 546.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, another example of a portion of a surgicalforceps is illustrated and generally designated at 620. The proximal endof the forceps 620 is not shown, however, all details may be the same asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, or the proximal end may take on any otheracceptable configuration as known in the art. As in the examples ofFIGS. 1A-6B, the forceps 620 may be of the electrosurgical type or thenon-energized type, by way of example. For example, if of thenon-energized type, the forceps 620 are used for gripping and no energyis applied through the forceps 620. However, if the forceps 620 are ofthe electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device, forexample, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

The forceps 620 may include a first elongate member 628 and a secondelongate member 630, which are connected together at the proximal end(not shown). The first member 628 is disposed adjacent to the secondmember 630. As described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the firstand second members 628, 630 may be moved toward each other by exertingpressure on their outer sides; for example, an operator can pinch thefirst and second members 628, 630 together and toward each other andbring the end pieces 644, 646 together.

As described above, the first and second members 628, 630 may be formedof an insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first and second members 628, 630 may each have aninner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and anouter casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such asnon-electrosurgical devices, the first and second members 628, 630 maybe formed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal, by way ofexample.

The first end piece 644 is coupled to the distal end 648 of the firstmember 628, and the second end piece 646 may be coupled to the distalend 650 of the second member 630. In the alternative, the second member630 may not have a separate end piece 646, as described above. The endpieces 644, 646 may be identical to each other, as shown, or the endpieces 644, 646 may be different from each other.

Each end piece 644, 646 has a first part 654, 656 that is fixedlyattached to the distal ends 648, 650 of the first and second members628, 630, respectively. In some examples, the first parts 654, 656 maybe formed unitarily with the distal ends 648, 650, respectively. Asecond part 660 of the first end piece 644 is movable with respect tothe first part 654 and the first member 628. Likewise, a second part 662of the second end piece 646 is movable with respect to the first part656 and the second member 630. For example, the first parts 654, 656 mayeach define a bore 694, 696 therein, the first parts 654, 656 definingan opening 698, 699 in distal ends 700, 701 of the first parts 654, 656,the openings 698, 699 forming a distal end of the bores 694, 696. Thesecond parts 660, 662 may be retractable or slidable into and out of theopenings 698, 699 of the bores 694, 696. Thus, the second parts 660, 662are axially movable with respect to the first parts 654, 656.

In FIG. 7A, the first and second end pieces 644, 646 are illustrated infirst positions, wherein the second parts 660, 662 are fully retractedinto the bores 694, 696 of the first parts 654, 656, so that the secondparts 660, 662 are fully disposed on a proximal side of the distal ends700, 701 and the openings 698, 699, the second parts 660 being fullydisposed within one of: the first parts 654, 656, the members 628, 630,or a combination of the first parts 654, 656 and the members 628, 630.

In FIG. 7B, the first and second end pieces 644, 646 are illustrated insecond positions, wherein the second parts 660, 662 extend distally fromthe openings 698, 699 of the first parts 654, 656. In the secondpositions, the second parts 660, 662 are partially located on distalsides of the openings 698, 699 and the distal ends 700, 701 of the firstparts 654, 656, the second parts 660, 662 also being located partiallyon proximal sides of the openings 698, 699 and the distal ends 700, 701of the first parts 654, 656. Thus, the second parts 660, 662 arepartially located in the bores 694, 696 in the second positions.

The second parts 660, 662 of the end pieces 644, 646 are axially movablewith respect to the first and second members 628, 630. Each second part660, 662 may be axially moved to put the end pieces 644, 646 into theirfirst positions (shown in FIG. 7A) and their second positions (shown inFIG. 7B). In the example of FIGS. 7A-7B, the second parts 660, 662 ofthe first and second end pieces 644, 646 are axially movable betweentheir first and second positions without being detached from the firstand second members 628, 630, respectively.

As in the examples of FIGS. 1A-6B, one or more of the end pieces 644,646 could be provided as an electrode. For example, both of the firstand second end pieces 644, 646 may serve electrodes that are configuredto apply a current to a tissue when energized. The first and second endpieces 644, 646 may be active bipolar electrodes that are configured tobe coupled with and energized by an electrode energy source. In theillustrated example, the current may be provided through lead ends (suchas lead ends 24, 26 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) to each of the end pieces 644,646.

In some examples, either the first parts 654, 656 or second parts 660,662 may be energizable as the electrode, and the other first parts 654,656 or second parts 660, 662 may be an insulated or non-energized part.For example, the first parts 654, 656 could be insulated like the firstand second members 628, 630 and the second parts 660, 662 could beprovided as energizable electrodes.

An operator may desire to move the second parts 662, 662 out of thefirst parts 654, 656 of the end pieces 644, 646 if the operator desiresto use a narrower part of the end pieces 644, 646. Similarly, theoperator may retract the second parts 660, 662 into the first parts 654,656 if the operator desires wider ends of the forceps 620. In theexample where only the second parts 660, 662 are energizable electrodes,the operator may move the end pieces 644, 646 into their secondpositions if the operator desires to use the electrodes, and theoperator may move the end piece into their first positions, wherein thesecond parts 660, 662 are fully retracted into the first parts 654, 656,when the operator desires to use the forceps 420 as a non-energizedgripper or tweezers.

Like the various examples described above, the first and second parts654, 656, 660, 662 may have various characteristics that have beenhereinbefore described. For example, one of the first and second parts654, 656, 660, 662 may be sharper than the other or have a largersurface area, by way of example.

Similarly, any of the movable forceps 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620described herein, or other configurations, could also have othervariations between the first and second parts or sides.

For example, the first parts or sides could have a first coatingdisposed thereon, and a second parts or sides could have either nocoating, or a second coating disposed thereon. In some examples, thefirst coating could be different than the second coating. Thus, theoperator may desire to move the end pieces between the first and secondpositions to use the sides with either the first coating, no coating, orthe second coating.

In another example, a first portion of the first end piece could have afirst end piece first thermal capability, and a second portion of thefirst end piece could have a first end piece second thermal capability,wherein the first end piece first and second thermal capabilities arenon-identical. The thermal capabilities could include conductivity,specific heat, heating upon application of power (related to electricalresistance), and/or thermal capacitance, by way of example. Likewise, afirst portion of the second end piece could have a second end piecefirst thermal capability, and a second portion of the second end piececould have a second end piece second thermal capability, wherein thesecond end piece first and second thermal capabilities arenon-identical. These thermal capabilities could differ from each other,such that the operator could move the end pieces between their first andsecond positions to use a part of the end piece having the desiredthermal capability.

In yet another example, a first portion of the first end piece couldhave a first end piece first electrical capability, and a second portionof the first end piece could have a first end piece second electricalcapability, wherein the first end piece first and second electricalcapabilities are non-identical—differing from each other. The electricalcapabilities could include, for example, resistance and/or currentdensity (conduction contact area). Likewise, a first portion of thesecond end piece could have a second end piece first electricalcapability, and a second portion of the second end piece could have asecond end piece second electrical capability, wherein the second endpiece first and second electrical capabilities are non-identical. Theseelectrical capabilities could differ from each other, such that theoperator could move the end pieces between their first and secondpositions to use a part of the end piece having the desired electricalcapability.

In still another example, a first portion of the first end piece couldhave a first end piece first electrical polarity, and a second portionof the first end piece could have a first end piece second electricalpolarity, particularly when the end pieces are electrodes or haveelectrodes. The first end piece first and second electrical polaritiesare non-identical—differing from each other. The electrical polaritiescould include energy passage, by way of example. Likewise, a firstportion of the second end piece could have a second end piece firstelectrical polarity, and a second portion of the second end piece couldhave a second end piece second electrical polarity, wherein the secondend piece first and second electrical polarities are non-identical.These electrical polarities could differ from each other, such that theoperator could move the end pieces between their first and secondpositions to use a part of the end piece having the desired electricalpolarity.

In still another example, the first portions of the end pieces may beformed of a first material, and the second portions may be formed of asecond material that is different than the first material. In somevariations, one of the materials is conductive, while the other isinsulating.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a portion of an electrosurgical device kit isillustrated and generally designated at 718. The kit 718 includes asurgical forceps 720 and at least two different attachable anddetachable end pieces 744, 745.

The surgical forceps 720 may be of the electrosurgical type or thenon-energized type, by way of example. For example, if of thenon-energized type, the forceps 720 are used for gripping and no energyis applied through the forceps 720. However, if the forceps 720 are ofthe electrosurgical type, they may be used as a bipolar device, forexample, to apply pulsed or non-pulsed energy to coagulate a tissue.

For the forceps 720 of the electrosurgical type, the forceps 720 includea proximal end 722 that may be connected to an energy source via firstand second leads 724, 726. The forceps 720 may include a first elongatemember 728 and a second elongate member 730, which are connectedtogether at the proximal end 722 of the forceps device 720. The firstmember 728 is disposed adjacent to the second member 730. In thisexample, a band 732 surrounds proximal ends 734, 736 of the first andsecond members 728, 730 to couple the proximal ends 734, 736 together.Thus, the proximal ends 734, 736 may be fixed together by the band 732as shown. In this example, the first and second members 728, 730 aremovably coupled together. As described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, thefirst and second members 728, 730 may be moved toward each other byexerting pressure on their outer sides 738, 740; for example, anoperator can pinch the first and second members 728, 730 together andtoward each other by gripping and exerting pressure on gripping sections742 disposed on the outer sides 738, 740. (Though not shown, it shouldbe understood that an identical gripping section 742 is disposed on theouter side 740, as shown on the outer side 738.)

The band 732 and the first and second members 728, 730 may be formed ofan insulating material, such as a plastic or rubber. In otherconfigurations, the first and second members 728, 730 may each have aninner portion formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and anouter casing formed of an insulating material, where the outer casingsurrounds the inner portion. In still other configurations, such asnon-electrosurgical devices, the first and second members 728, 730 maybe formed entirely of a conductive material, such as a metal, by way ofexample.

The first end piece 744 may be temporarily or removably attached to thedistal end 748 of the first member 728. The second member 730 may have asimilar second end piece 746 that is removably attached to the distalend 750 of the second member 730. In the alternative, the second member730 may not have a separate end piece 746; instead, the second member730 may have a fixed end that is not interchangeable. The end pieces744, 746 may be identical to each other, as shown, or the end pieces744, 746 may be different from each other. The end pieces 744, 746 maytake on various configurations, which will be described below.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, each end piece 744, 746 has anarrow-like shape with a pointed end 749, 751. The ends pieces 744, 746form a cavity 753, 755 for attaching the end pieces 744, 746 toprojections 757, 759 extending from the distal ends 748, 750 of thefirst and second members 728, 730.

The first type of end pieces 744, 746 may be detached from the first andsecond members 728, 730, and the second type of end pieces 745, 747 maybe attached. Thus, the end pieces 745, 747 are also removably attachableto the first and second members 728, 730. The second type of end piece745, 747, in this example, is a rounded, blunt end piece 745, 747. Eachof the rounded end pieces 745, 747 also form a cavity 761, 763 thereinfor attaching the rounded end pieces 745, 747 to the projections 757,759 of the first and second members 728, 730. In the illustratedexample, the first type of end pieces 744, 746 are sharper than thesecond type of end pieces 745, 747. Thus, an operator can use whichevertype of end pieces 744, 746, 745, 747 is more suitable for theparticular task at hand and attach the desired end pieces 744, 746, 745,747 to the first and/or second members 728, 730.

In some variations, one or more of the end pieces 744, 746, 745, 747 isan electrode head. For example, both of the types of end pieces 744,746, 745, 747 may serve as electrode heads for the forceps device 720.The electrode heads 744, 746, 745, 747 are configured to apply a currentto a tissue when connected to one of the first and second members 728,739 and energized. The end pieces 744, 746, 745, 747 may be activebipolar electrodes that are configured to be coupled with and energizedby an electrode energy source when attached to one of the first andsecond members 728, 730. In the illustrated example, the current may beprovided through the lead ends 724, 726 to whichever of the end pieces744, 746, 745, 747 is attached.

Additional interchangeable electrode heads or end pieces may also beprovided. For example, referring to FIG. 9A, a set of toothed end pieces844, 846 (which may be electrode heads, as described above) areprovided. Each of the toothed end pieces 844, 846 has a set of teeth864, 866 for gripping a tissue. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 9B,another set of toothed end pieces 845, 847 (which may be electrodeheads, as described above) are provided. The toothed end pieces 845, 847also have sets of teeth 872, 874. However, the sets of teeth 872, 874 onthe end pieces 845, 847 in FIG. 9B have much larger teeth than the setsof teeth 864, 866 of the end pieces 844, 846 shown in FIG. 9A.

As with the forceps 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 described above,the forceps 720 and end pieces 744, 745, 746, 747, 844, 845, 846, 847may also be provided with various shapes, and having differingmaterials, coatings, polarities, electrical capabilities, and thermalcapabilities.

When used as an electrosurgical device, the forceps 20, 120, 220, 320,420, 520, 620, 720 is configured to emit an electric signal forablation, coagulation, or other treatment of nearby tissue. The forceps20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 720 may be of the bipolar type, whereincurrent is passed through one of the end pieces, through the patient'stissue, and received through the other end piece. In some examples, bothend pieces are energized electrodes, which are energized with oppositepolarity. For example, a first source signal may be delivered from thefirst end piece electrode, and a second source signal may be deliveredfrom the second end piece electrode. Each of the first and secondsignals travel through tissue and return to the other of the twoelectrodes—the one that did not generate the signal. The electrons flowin a single direction at a time. As the signals oscillate between eachelectrode, the electrons race toward whichever electrode has a morepositive terminal.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature andvariations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, variations in the various figures can becombined with each without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art would realize, however, that certainmodifications would come within the teachings of this invention.Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine the truescope and content of the invention.

Any numerical values recited in the above application include ail valuesfrom the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unitprovided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between anylower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated thatthe amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, forexample, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it isintended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which areless than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints, the use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range apply to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shallinclude the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, andsuch other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination.

The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” describing combinationsof elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplatesembodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients,components or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrosurgical device kit comprising: anelongate first member with a first projection; an elongate second memberdisposed adjacent to the first member, the second member having a secondprojection and being at least movably coupled to the first member; thefirst and second projections being parallel with their respectiveelongate members, a first electrode head; a second electrode head; and athird electrode head, wherein each of the first electrode head and thesecond electrode head is removably attachable independently of eachother to the first member, so that either the first electrode head orthe second electrode head remains attached to the first member when theother electrode head is removed from the first member and the thirdelectrode head remains attached to the second member, and wherein thethird electrode head is removably attachable independently of the firstelectrode head and the second electrode head to the second member, sothat the first electrode head or the second electrode head remainsattached to the first member, wherein the first, second, and thirdelectrode heads are configured to apply a current to a tissue, the firstand second electrode heads being non-identical, and wherein each of thefirst electrode head, the second electrode head, and the third electrodehead includes a cavity configured to attach the respective electrodehead to the first projection or the second projection.
 2. Theelectrosurgical device kit of claim 1, wherein the first electrode isidentical to the third electrode.
 3. The electrosurgical device kit ofclaim 1, wherein the first electrode is sharper than the secondelectrode.
 4. The electrosurgical device kit of claim 1, wherein thefirst electrode has a first coating disposed thereon and the secondelectrode has one of: no coating and a second coating disposed thereon,the first and second coatings being non-identical.
 5. Theelectrosurgical device kit of claim 1, wherein the first electrode has afirst electrode thermal capability and the second electrode has a secondelectrode thermal capability, the first electrode thermal capabilitybeing different than the second electrode thermal capability.
 6. Theelectrosurgical device kit of claim 1, wherein the first electrode has afirst electrode electrical capability and the second electrode has asecond electrode electrical capability, the first electrode electricalcapability being different than the second electrode electricalcapability.
 7. The electrosurgical device kit of claim 1, wherein thefirst electrode is formed of a first material and the second electrodeis formed of a second material, the first and second materials beingnon-identical.
 8. The electrosurgical device kit of claim 7, wherein thefirst electrode is formed of a conductive material and the secondelectrode is formed of an insulating material.
 9. The electrosurgicaldevice kit of claim 1, further comprising a fourth electrode headremovably attachable to the second member, the third electrode headbeing removably coupled to the second member, the fourth electrode headbeing configured to apply a current to a tissue, the third and fourthelectrode heads being non-identical.
 10. The electrosurgical device kitof claim 1, wherein only the first electrode head is removablyattachable to the first member and the second electrode head and thethird electrode head are not removable from the first member and thesecond member, respectively.